As the announcement was made that landlords in the Sheffield Council area may be forced to apply for special licences before that can let their properties in one part of the city, Rick Flay, director at Belvoir Sheffield has announced his mixed views on this.
The scheme which has already been seen in other parts of the country is designed to “protect vulnerable tenants” as well as stopping the proliferation of bed sits, the councils claim.
Rick Flay, Director at Belvoir Sheffield, who offer a wide range of homes to let in Sheffield, said: “I agree that tenants should be protected, and by going to a reputable agent such as Belvoir, they will be. Despite this, these new schemes just make it even harder for the residential landlord, and little is being done to protect them against arrears.”
This view is backed by other landlords in these areas, who also do not agree, especially as the schemes impose licence fees in the order of £750 per property every 5 years. Many landlords claim these ideas are simply money making schemes for cash strapped councils.
Under the Housing Act 2004, councils are able to introduce selective licensing of private landlords after going through a process of public consultations.
To implement the scheme the council must show that this would benefit the area, and in order to let their properties landlords would then have to prove they are a “fit and proper” person to be a landlord.
Landlords will also be required to meet strict safety regulations in their properties and show that they have tenancy agreements in place for all their lets.
Rick, whose letting agency on Campo Lane in Sheffield, specialises in providing flats to let Sheffield, added: “I think with these new measures being brought into place, landlords really need to be protecting themselves by using a reputable agent such as ourselves. I will happily talk to any landlords confused over these new measures.”
Belvoir Lettings Sheffield is the One Stop Specialists for Lettings including Property Management, Tenant Find, Investment and Wealth Management Advice, Fit-outs and Renovations, Furniture Packs and Investment Property Insurances and Mortgages.
Belvoir Sheffield was the winner of the Belvoir Franchise of the Year Award for 2013
For more information, on Belvoir Sheffield please email us at sheffield@belvoirlettings.com or call us on 0114 25 25 215.
